C T Online Desk: Fortune Barishal showcased their formidable batting prowess and depth to secure a four-wicket victory over Durbar Rajshahi in the opening match of the 11th Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Monday.
Batting first, Rajshahi posted an impressive 197/3, but the defending champions Barishal successfully chased down the target with 11 balls to spare.
Faced with a challenging target of 198, Barishal stumbled early, finding themselves in dire straits at 61/5. However, the experienced Mahmudullah stepped up, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 56 off just 26 balls. His innings featured two pivotal partnerships that turned the tide. Pakistani all-rounders Shaheen Shah Afridi and Faheem Ashraf provided strong support, with Shaheen contributing a handy 27 and Faheem smashing a blistering 54 not out off 21 balls.
Earlier in the match, Rajshahi, sent in to bat, set a daunting total of 197/3 in their 20 overs. Yasir Ali delivered a standout performance, blasting an unbeaten 94 off 47 deliveries, while captain Anamul Haque Bijoy played a composed knock of 65 off 51 balls. The pair rescued Rajshahi after an early setback, as openers Jishan Alam (0) and Mohammad Haris (13) were dismissed cheaply by Kyle Mayers, who impressed with figures of 2/13. Yasir and Anamul’s 140-run partnership laid a strong foundation, with Anamul striking four fours and five sixes. Yasir’s explosive innings, featuring seven boundaries and eight towering sixes, provided the fireworks that propelled Rajshahi to their competitive total.
Despite Rajshahi’s strong start, Barishal’s depth and experience ultimately proved decisive in a thrilling encounter that highlighted the excitement of T20 cricket.
